Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Morris.
Hi Karen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Annapolis Home Concierge (AHC) was born from a tradition of performing “neighbor favors” during many summers. As trusted friends, neighbors frequently requested us to keep an eye on their homes while they traveled. What began as a seasonal favor quickly evolved into a year-round service. We engaged in activities like collecting mail, receiving deliveries, inspecting homes post-storm, or arranging service providers, realizing these tasks transcended the usual “neighbor favor.” Recognizing the absence of such a service in our area and buoyed by our friends’ encouragement, we took the initiative to establish AHC.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road and that’s been part of building something that’s truly needed.
One of our biggest early obstacles was educating the community on what “home watch” even is. When we started Annapolis Home Concierge, most people didn’t realize a professional home watch service existed. The default was usually:
“I’ll ask a neighbor to swing by.”
“My cleaning person can keep an eye on things.”
And while those options come from a good place, they come with real gaps. Most neighbors aren’t bonded, insured, or background-checked, and they may not be consistent or available when something urgent happens. And most cleaning teams aren’t trained to spot early warning signs tied to home systems and maintenance, like small leaks, humidity issues, HVAC concerns, or storm-related vulnerabilities.
So a lot of our work in the beginning wasn’t just offering services, it was helping homeowners understand the difference between a favor and professional, documented, preventive care that’s designed to protect a major investment and provide peace of mind. That education piece took time, repetition, and advertising.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the founder of Annapolis Home Concierge, and we specialize in professional home watch and concierge services for homeowners who travel frequently, live elsewhere seasonally, or simply want a trusted local partner to keep their home secure and well-maintained. At the core, our work is about peace of mind and making sure a home “holds steady” when the owner can’t be there.
What we do (and what we’re known for):
We provide regular property inspections, systems checks, security monitoring, water cycling, seasonal and weather-prep, and 24/7 emergency response, all paired with detailed reporting and clear communication. We also handle the real-life logistics that come with owning a home—mail forwarding, vendor coordination, package pickup, meeting technicians, and home wait services—so our clients don’t have to manage multiple providers from afar.
What sets us apart:
Trust and professionalism: Our team is bonded, insured, and accredited and certified through the National Home Watch Association, with a strong focus on confidentiality, consistency, and reliable follow-through.
We’re trained to spot small issues early, before they become expensive problems, and we’re built for prevention and preparedness, especially in Maryland’s unpredictable weather.
Local expertise + strong vendor network: We know Annapolis homes, neighborhoods, and seasonal patterns, and we have trusted local partners to move quickly when something needs attention.
Client-centric, customized plans: We tailor our approach to each home and each homeowner’s lifestyle—because no two properties (or travel schedules) are the same.
What I’m most proud of:
I’m most proud that I started this business in midlife, during a season of reinvention, and built something meaningful, profitable, and growing. I created a company rooted in service, designed to protect what is often someone’s biggest investment, and to provide dependable support when they need it most. I’m also proud that we’re creating opportunities for others, especially women, who want purposeful work and a place to grow.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I belong to several networking groups, and one in particular has been transformative. The Leading Ladies Collective with Alice Ann Loftus has been a North Star. It has provided a safe space to netowrkwork baranstorm and be supported by other women business owners.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://annapolishomeconcierge.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annapolishomeconcierge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annapolishomeconcierge
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/81879353/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnnapolisHomeConcierge
